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Ultimate Shepherd's Pie: Tips for Perfecting This Comfort Food Classic

Updated: Feb 1


The camera zooms in on a Shepherd's Pie, its comforting presence dominating the frame. This is no pristine, untouched dish; a generous portion has been scooped out, revealing the delicious secrets hidden within. The missing slice exposes the steaming, savory filling, a testament to the irresistible allure of this classic comfort food. The golden-brown mashed potato topping, still fluffy and inviting, frames the exposed interior like a crater on a delicious moon. The edges of the scooped-out portion are soft and yielding, showing where a spoon has recently delved into the heart of the pie. And what a heart it is! The filling is a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures. Tender chunks of carrot and celery peek out from beneath the rich, dark gravy, their bright hues contrasting beautifully with the deep brown of the ground beef. The aroma wafting from the dish is intoxicating, a blend of savory meat, earthy vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The pie dish itself, perhaps a well-worn ceramic piece with a slightly chipped rim, adds to the rustic charm of the scene. It rests on a wooden countertop, evidence of years of use visible in the grain and the faint marks of knife cuts. Beyond the pie, the cozy kitchen beckons. Warm sunlight streams through the window, illuminating a collection of mismatched cookbooks stacked on an open shelf. A cast iron skillet hangs from a hook above the stove, its seasoned surface reflecting the light. A half-full teapot sits on a nearby trivet, suggesting a comforting cuppa to accompany the hearty meal. This close-up shot of the Shepherd's Pie, with its exposed filling, is an invitation to indulge. It captures the essence of comfort food, highlighting the warmth, abundance, and irresistible appeal of this classic dish. It's a scene that celebrates the simple pleasures of home cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal in a loving space.
Shepherd's Pie

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Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes


Ingredients:


  • For the filling:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1 onion, chopped

    • 2 carrots, chopped

    • 2 celery stalks, chopped

    • 1 pound ground beef

    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

    • 1 teaspoon salt

    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme1

    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

    • 1 cup beef broth

    • 1 cup frozen peas

    • 1 cup frozen corn

  • For the mashed potatoes:

    • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

    • 1/2 cup milk

    • 1/4 cup butter

    • 1/4 cup sour cream

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

  • Large skillet

  • Large pot

  • 9x13 inch baking dish2

Instructions

Get started:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Make the filling:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

  3. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute.

  4. Gradually stir in beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.

  5. Stir in peas and corn. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

  6. Pour the beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the mashed potatoes:

  1. While the beef mixture is simmering, cook potatoes in a large pot of boiling water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash.

  2. Stir in milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Assemble the shepherd's pie:

  1. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the baking dish.

  2. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

  3. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

You can easily customize your shepherd's pie. For example:

  • For a richer flavor, use lamb instead of beef.

  • If you don't have fresh vegetables, you can substitute frozen vegetables.

  • Feel free to add in other vegetables, such as mushrooms, leeks, or green beans.

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Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie

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